IMPACT OF PHYSICAL ATTRIBUTES IN BUILT ENVIRONMENT ON CYCLING RATES

Abstract

As states strive to attain transport sustainability goals through the paradigm shift towards greener mobility options, active mobility is increasingly gaining global prominence. In Singapore, the spotlight is placed on cycling as a viable mode of commute, with the government investing heavily in the built environment to win the public over. This dissertation, motivated by the relatively low cycling rates in Singapore despite state’s efforts, strives to comprehend the variations in cycling behaviors across housing estates. On a larger scale, it provides a better appreciation of factors affecting cycling rates to facilitate the policy-making process in pushing the active mobility agenda to the forefront. To understand the demand perspectives, a qualitative study through the administration of surveys targeting 240 respondents across a treatment and a control group, was conducted. A quantitative analysis reveals the treatment group, Tampines, to have a higher cycling rate as compared to the control group, Ang Mo Kio. Results strongly suggest that the presence of physical cycling infrastructures and the corresponding perceived safety levels in the built environment explains the greater likelihood of residents to cycle in Tampines. A further analysis found the strong positive relationship of the presence of physical cycling infrastructures in the built environment as well as the ownership of bicycles to cycling rates. Thus, this preliminary study contributes to local cycling literature to establish the influence of the built environment on cycling and provides insights to the policymakers to further review and streamline policies to attain desired cycling goals in the near future.